Head of Indirect Tax and Customs

EMEA Recruitment; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company in Amsterdam is looking for a Head of Indirect Tax & Customs. This role involves leading the Indirect Tax and Customs strategy, ensuring compliance and advising on cross-border transactions. The ideal candidate has a professional Tax/Accounting qualification and over 10 years' experience in Indirect Tax. Strong stakeholder influence is essential for this mid-senior level position. The employment type is full-time.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Indirect Tax and Customs, ideally within a multinational business.
• Strong technical expertise in VAT, Customs, and trade compliance across international markets.
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading the group’s Indirect Tax and Customs strategy across European and international markets.
• Ensuring compliance with VAT, GST, and Customs regulations while identifying optimization opportunities.
• Managing relationships with Customs and Tax authorities and external advisors.
• Support cross-border transactions, supply chain structures, and trade compliance matters.
• Advise Commercial and Finance on tax implications of new business initiatives and market entries.
• Oversee indirect tax reporting processes, controls and risk management activities.
• Drive automation, process improvements, and data management in tax reporting systems.
• Coach and develop tax professionals within the global Finance team.

Skills

Indirect Tax expertise

Customs compliance

Stakeholder influence

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Tax strategy

Education

Professional Tax/Accounting qualification (CTA, CPA, RA, CA)

Job description

Senior Researcher ~ Netherlands ~ Finance ~ HR

Our client, a global business in the consumer goods sector, is seeking a Head of Indirect Tax & Customs to strengthen its Tax leadership team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business that is undergoing significant transformation and growth. You will play a critical role in shaping and managing Indirect Tax and Customs strategies across multiple markets, ensuring compliance while supporting commercial objectives.

As Head of Indirect Tax & Customs, you will provide strategic oversight of VAT, customs, and trade compliance matters, driving best practice across the organization and advising senior stakeholders on risks, opportunities, and efficiencies.

You’ll be a key partner to both central and regional teams, balancing technical expertise with the ability to influence business decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the group’s Indirect Tax and Customs strategy across European and international markets
• Ensuring compliance with VAT, GST, excise duties, and Customs regulations, while identifying optimization opportunities
• Managing relationships with Customs and Tax authorities, external advisors, and auditors
• Supporting the business on cross-border transactions, supply chain structures, and trade compliance matters
• Advising Commercial and Finance stakeholders on the Tax implications of new business initiatives and market entries
• Overseeing Indirect Tax reporting processes, controls, and risk management activities
• Driving automation, process improvements, and efficiency in Tax reporting systems and data management
• Coaching and developing Tax professionals, building capability within the global Finance team

Candidate profile:

• Professional Tax/Accounting qualification (CTA, CPA, RA, CA, or equivalent)
• 10+ years of experience in Indirect Tax and Customs, ideally within a multinational business or Big 4 environment
• Strong technical expertise in VAT, Customs, and trade compliance across international markets
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving strategic initiatives

If you are interested in applying for this Head of Indirect Tax & Customs role, please register your interest using the link below. Alternatively you can call Megan Sabeto in our Amsterdam office on [phone].

If you do not hear from us within two weeks, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful. To be assured of a response, please apply via emearecruitment.com

EMEA Recruitment is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries: Consumer Services and Retail

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